Dame Valerie steps up for Q&A

HARD WORK: Dame Valerie Adams says she is pleased to be recognised for her work both on and off the sports field. Photo supplied.

Six local figures were recognised in the New Year’s Honours list.

Olympian and World Champion shot-putter Valerie Adams was made a Dame. Triathlete Cameron Brown, health services proponent Ranjna Patel, and shareholders’ advocate Bruce Sheppard were appointed Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit, while former hockey international Katie Glynn and table tennis champion Chunli Li were made Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

The Times has been publishing a profile of each recipient and featuring a short Q&A over the past few weeks.

Valerie Adams

Valerie Adams was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to athletics.

Ms Adams is a world-renowned shot putter who has won four World Championship gold medals, two Olympics gold medals, three Commonwealth Games gold medals and three World Indoor Championship gold medals.

She currently lives in Half Moon Bay, has lived locally for more than ten years, and is the first woman to win four consecutive individual titles at the world track and field championships.

The Times asked Ms Adams five questions last week.

Q. Who was the first person you told about receiving this honour and why them?

A. My husband. I was a bit blown away and it was pretty cool watching his reaction.

Q. What does the DNZM mean to you?

A. I’m really humbled and honoured. I feel very proud of New Zealand and also Tonga. I am pleased to be recognised for this, both on the field for my sport, but also off the field.

Q. Does receiving this award change anything for you, does it push you to strive for more?

A. Not really. I’m very focused on my next goals. I also want to keep helping communities like I have, try to do more of this and I especially want to try to continue to inspire people to get out there, believe and live healthy lives.

Q. How did you celebrate the announcement?

A. I had a small gathering of special friends and family round home on New Year’s Eve. It was really nice, and a special New Year’s Eve.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received and how did you take it on board?

A. Believe in yourself, set goals and work really hard to achieve them. Be passionate, have fun and embrace the support from your friends and family.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

New Zealand First has accepted Botany MP Jami-Lee Ross’ proxy vote. What do you think?

Ross need’s to resign his seat as Botany MP and give up his proxy vote. Give the Botany community a chance to vote for someone new if they so choose.

Peters is correct to accept the proxy vote as the Botany community deserves representation in Parliament. Voters made it clear they support Ross when they elected him with a significant majority in 2016.

At the end of the day it doesn’t matter, one proxy vote won’t make a difference.

Poll Options are limited because JavaScript is disabled in your browser.

Ross need’s to resign his seat as Botany MP and give up his proxy vote. Give the Botany community a chance to vote for someone new if they so choose. 62%, 18 votes

18 votes62%

18 votes - 62% of all votes

Peters is correct to accept the proxy vote as the Botany community deserves representation in Parliament. Voters made it clear they support Ross when they elected him with a significant majority in 2016. 31%, 9 votes

9 votes31%

9 votes - 31% of all votes

At the end of the day it doesn’t matter, one proxy vote won’t make a difference. 7%, 2 votes

2 votes7%

2 votes - 7% of all votes

Total Votes: 29

November 15, 2018

×

You or your IP had already vote.

Ross need’s to resign his seat as Botany MP and give up his proxy vote. Give the Botany community a chance to vote for someone new if they so choose.

Peters is correct to accept the proxy vote as the Botany community deserves representation in Parliament. Voters made it clear they support Ross when they elected him with a significant majority in 2016.

At the end of the day it doesn’t matter, one proxy vote won’t make a difference.

WATCH

Our awards winning publications continue to grow from strength to strength both in print and online. If you have not made use of our success yet, make contact with us today to get your product or service in our publications.